| The island is roughly located in the centre
of the Cyclades and, although it has preserved its cycladic ambience
and scenic way of life it has developed a tourist substructure capable
of offering comfortable vacations to great numbers of visitors. It
is an island with many hidden charms. Do not let the traffic and noise
of the harbor discourage you, explore Paros and discover the lovely
shores, picturesque villages, natural coves and the various local
summer activities as: the wine and fish festivals and various art
exhibits. It is the third largest - after Naxos and Andros
- of the Cyclades and Paroikia or Paros, the capital and port of the
island is built at the same location of the ancient town. In the center
of Paroikia there are - besides the ruins of an ancient castle - arcades
and small churches, cycladic houses with lovely blossomed yards, narrow
cobbled streets and marble lintels and a clamorous shopping area,
crowded with all types of shops - outdated and modern, low-priced
and very expensive modest or luxurious - myltiple restaurants, tavernas,
cafes and bars. |
East of the old town you will see the
most significant remnant of the Byzantine period the church of
Panaghia Katapoliani it is said that the church was founded by
Saint Helen - mother of emperor Constantine - prior to her
departure to the Holy Land in search of the Cross. Many archeologists,
however, believe that the structure with the beautiful frescoes and
the icon of the Virgin, painted by Saint Luke, was completed
during Justinian's era. The Archeological Museum - near the
church - houses many ancient findings the most important the 5th century
B.C. statue of Nike of Paros. Visit the beautiful villages:
Naoussa, regarded as the pearl of Paros, offers many interesting
sites, lively nightlife, good seafood and the most beautiful shore:
Kolybithres; Lefkes, lovely mountainous village protected by
two hills. Marpissa, the most impressive village built on a hill about
12 miles from Paroikia. Pisso Livadi, a picturesque little heaven awaits
you a little further of Marpissa. Alyki, a lovely tourist resort with
a lovely sandy beach. Going towards Alyki (after the airport) there
is the estate of Skorpios - where the traditional folklore exhibit
of Benetos Skiathas can be admired. |
Seashores: Northwest of Paroikia protected from the north-easterly
winds (meltemia) the Kaminia, Krios and Aghios Phokas. The sandy beaches
of Ampelas, Glyfada, Pisso Livathi and Logharas with beautiful shores
in the extended coast of Chrissi Akti located east of the island,
beware, however, it gets a bit windy. West of Naoussa the beach Kolymbithres
- a sandy islet with very impressive rocks and incredibly clear waters
- further down the monastery, Aghii Anarghiroi and the remote sandy
beach of Laggeri, Santa Maria, among others and to the south, you
can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Alyki, for the followers of
nudism, Molos is the place. Water- sports enthusiasts, especially
windsurfers, will be fascinated with Paros. Chrissi Akti/Golden Sand
- one of the most beautiful shores - is suitable for learning to surf,
as well as sailing. |
General Information for Paros